Columbia University ID Center

Card-Swipe Problem with a Vending Machine

If the campus-wide Flex system goes off-line, Flex purchases cannot be processed. However, vending machines will accept cash and coin sales.

Below is a list of the messages you may see on a vending machine reader:

• CARD ACCESS NOT ACTIVE X (where X can be 0, 1, A, B, C, D, E, F, G)
• MACHINE OUT OF SERVICE

If there is not a problem with the Flex system campus-wide, and a swipe transaction cannot be completed successfully, the reader will display a TRANSACTION INVALID message followed by an explanation. Below is a list of the possible problems, and how to have them resolved:

• INSUFFICIENT FUNDS

This message means the balance in your Flex Account is not sufficient to process the transaction. If you deposit more money into your Flex Account, you will be able to complete the transaction. You can do so on-line at https://ssol.columbia.edu/ or in person, you can pay in advance at the Customer Service Center at 118 Hartley, The Hartley Hospitality Desk, or the Id Center at 204 Kent Hall. Please note, the Hartley Desk is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• CARD INVALID L/S

This message means you are not using the most recently issued ID card. If you cannot find the most recently issued ID, you will need to come to the ID Center to have it replaced. There is a $15 fee to replace all damaged and lost Columbia Cards.

• OVER DAILY LIMIT

There is a daily limit of $10 for vending transactions by Flex Account. This is in place to protect you in the event of an unreported lost card. If you have exceeded the daily limit, it will be reset after midnight, and you will have $10 available for the next day. However, it is still important for you to deactivate your lost card on-line as soon as possible. You can do so at https://ssol.columbia.edu/

• PRIVILEGE UNASSIGNED

If you are a student, and you receive this message, you should go to the ID Center at 204 or the Customer Service Center at 118 Hartley Hall. If you are an employee or Special Card holder, you must come into the ID Center and enroll in the Flex program.

• CARD DELETED
• CARD EXPIRED
• CARD NOT IN SYSTEM
• CARD SUSPENDED
• PRIVILEGE EXPIRED
• PRIVILEGE SUSPENDED

The above messages have different meanings, but all can only be solved by coming to the ID Center at 204 Kent during regular business hours.